Death of young Dundee dad could have been avoided, inquiry hears on its final day

A young dad’s death may have been avoided if he had been properly diagnosed, a fatal accident inquiry has heard.

Dale Thomson, 28, was treated at Carseview psychiatric unit between January 8 and 10 2015 after concerns were raised about his wellbeing and safety.

The Charleston man had been hearing voices, having paranoid ideas and tried to take his life days earlier.

He became restless and left the facility on January 10. He was further assessed on January 23 but wasn’t detained and was found dead four days later by his mum Mandy McLaren.

The final day of the inquiry — which began last May — was held at Dundee Sheriff Court.

In his final submission, procurator fiscal Steven Quither said if Dale had been assessed by an approved medical practitioner during his stay at Carseview “then there is every likelihood that it might have led to a different outcome”.

The fact no detailed assessment was carried out by a senior doctor was a “defect in the work of practice”, he added.

Submissions were also given by lawyers representing Dale’s family, the medical staff who treated him, and the NHS Tayside board.

Sheriff George Way thanked the parties for their submissions and added: “This has been a very difficult case to hear.

“The death of a young man who was clearly very unwell, and was suffering a number of assaults on his mental well-being, is very, very sad and tragic.

“Nothing will bring him back and I’d like to express my sincere condolences to his family, friends and other loved ones.”